It's time to clean these kitchen items

September 9, 2013 11:06 AM

Photo: Copyright Alex Hughes/Getty Images/Flickr Open

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Bacteria and mold lurk in even the cleanest kitchens, and regularly replacing your dish sponge is not enough.
The public health and safety organization NSF International examined 14 common kitchen items and ranks the 10 with the most germs. NSF also provides a few more icky facts about your food preparation habits.
It's time to get cleaning. less

Bacteria and mold lurk in even the cleanest kitchens, and regularly replacing your dish sponge is not enough. The public health and safety organization NSF International examined 14 common kitchen items and ... more

Photo: ML Harris, Getty Images

Bacteria and mold lurk in even the cleanest kitchens, and regularly... Photo-5159867.69861 - seattlepi.com

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Cross-contamination and yeast and mold
Storing food in contaminated storage containers or using water, ice or tools with high counts of yeast and mold may lead to food spoilage at a faster rate or an allergic response in some people. less

Cross-contamination and yeast and mold Storing food in contaminated storage containers or using water, ice or tools with high counts of yeast and mold may lead to food spoilage at a faster rate or an allergic ... more

Yeast and mold
All of the items tested positive for yeast and mold. The six items with the highest levels were the refrigerator vegetable compartment, rubber spatula, blender gasket, refrigerator ice and water dispensers and the rubber seal on a food storage container. less

Yeast and mold All of the items tested positive for yeast and mold. The six items with the highest levels were the refrigerator vegetable compartment, rubber spatula, blender gasket, refrigerator ice and water ... more

Photo: Copyright Alex Hughes, Getty Images/Flickr Open

Yeast and mold
All of the items tested positive for yeast and... Photo-5159917.69861 - seattlepi.com